Be careful of Disneys Terms and conditions

[anricat]

I think the worst thing is that other cruises have been modified and guests get onboard credit and/or future cruise discounts. I would also be disappointed, but it wouldn’t change my view of my childhood dream. I would just try and move my sailing to a different one.

It's annoying to me how inconsistent Disney is with this. As I mentioned above, our European cruise on the Dream was changed from a major unique port to a sea day and we got nothing. Then I hear about the Fantasy missing CC and people get a bunch of onboard credit and I'm like WHAT?!

And I think that is really frustrating because it feels like they maybe need a consistent policy when this happens. Because it does happen and will continue to happen.

 

[Skippyboo]

Fantasy is switching tomorrow’s western Caribbean cruise to eastern Caribbean because of Tropical Storm Sara.

 

[dreamer17555]

It's annoying to me how inconsistent Disney is with this. As I mentioned above, our European cruise on the Dream was changed from a major unique port to a sea day and we got nothing. Then I hear about the Fantasy missing CC and people get a bunch of onboard credit and I'm like WHAT?!

And I think that is really frustrating because it feels like they maybe need a consistent policy when this happens. Because it does happen and will continue to happen.

So here is a good rule of thumb-

If they miss a port due to something out of their control like weather or political climate in an area- No compensation

If they miss a port due to something like mechanical issues- Compensation

 

[Mommb]

So here is a good rule of thumb-

If they miss a port due to something out of their control like weather or political climate in an area- No compensation

If they miss a port due to something like mechanical issues- Compensation

This is a good general rule, though of course there are exceptions.

I'd add that compensation is more likely if something changes once passengers are onboard or potentially en route to the ship than if changes happen in advance. Again, there are exceptions, but port changes more than a month in advance rarely result in compensation, especially if (as in the case of the OP's cruise from Sydney) ports are added when a port is removed. The thinking may be that people can still plan excursions or make other plans for the new ports or added sea days if they know the change in advance.

That said, I understand that it's disappointing when the port that's dropped is an unusual one that was a big part of the reason someone booked the cruise. People who feel that strongly about not wanting to cruise on the new itinerary can cancel or rebook, but they will pay a penalty based on how far in advance the decision was made.

 

[tvguy]

You book the ship and days.

Actually, no. If you read the cruise contract they don't even guarantee the ship. Just that you are taking a cruise.
Been cruising 44 years, and while changes seem to be far more common now, that has been in ever cruise contract with 6 different lines over 44 years.

 

[RivShore]

If they miss a port due to something out of their control like weather or political climate in an area- No compensation

Even if they replace a tropical cruise with a cold weather cruise? To but it in North America terms, you would be ok with a Caribbean cruise being moved to Canada? At the very least they should allow rebooking fee free to a warm weather cruise.

 

[Dug720]

I'd add that compensation is more likely if something changes once passengers are onboard or potentially en route to the ship than if changes happen in advance.

Yeah...more likely but not guaranteed. Feb 2020 I was on Celebrity Edge and we were supposed to go to Costa Maya, but there was some kind of strike going on with taxis or bus drivers or something. The Reflection was there the day before us and apparently while passengers were not in immediate apparent danger, Captain Kate (in consultation with the Miami head office and the captain of the Reflection) made the call that we were going to skip the port.

There was no ship-wide compensation beyond the port taxes and fees. (I say ship-wide because I just rolled with it - I'd booked a day at Maya Chan and even before I emailed them, I had an email from them that they understood we were not going to dock and they were refunding my money for the day - but I don't know if there were people who whined at Guest Services and got something.

We did get into Cozumel that evening and I believe they opened the gangway for anyone who wanted to go ashore. I didn't though since I was solo, I'd never been to Cozumel before, and I had no idea what was around our pier since it wasn't the one Disney usually docks at so my sister was unable to help me. If there were additional taxes and fees for that night Celebrity ate them because we never saw it.

 

[lanejudy]

I recall a somewhat similar situation happened a few of years ago. DCL had to change a cruise out of NYC (I think it was Bermuda?) to a New England/Canadian coast itinerary. That was very last minute if it recall -- like maybe within a week of departure. Guests were given an opportunity to cancel without penalty. But again that was a very last minute change vs this one being several weeks out.

Ultimately guests need to realize the change is made to keep everybody safe.

 

[tvguy]

Even if they replace a tropical cruise with a cold weather cruise? To but it in North America terms, you would be ok with a Caribbean cruise being moved to Canada? At the very least they should allow rebooking fee free to a warm weather cruise.

The cruise contract you agreed to when you booked the cruise allows that without any compensation. Not saying people would be happy. And not saying that most cruise lines wouldn't offer some sort of compensation, but they have it in writing that you agree to accept whatever they decide.

 

[PAGA2003]

I recall a somewhat similar situation happened a few of years ago. DCL had to change a cruise out of NYC (I think it was Bermuda?) to a New England/Canadian coast itinerary. That was very last minute if it recall -- like maybe within a week of departure. Guests were given an opportunity to cancel without penalty. But again that was a very last minute change vs this one being several weeks out.

Ultimately guests need to realize the change is made to keep everybody safe.

My friend was on the cruise I believe you are talking about. It was 2017ish maybe? It was a NYC cruise that was supposed to go to Port Canaveral and Bahamas. Their itinerary was changed to Canada due to a hurricane.

The compensation was fantastic! They were given the option to cancel for a full refund or they could take the cruise and recieve a 20% discount on any future sailing (they chose a Norway cruise). I'm almost certain they were also offered some onboard credit as a form of a discount on the sailing as well. Less than 1000 passengers were on the ship and she said it was the best cruise because of so few guests!

 

[Anna131517]

You can buy “cancel for any reason” trip insurance if you think a big change would really upset you. I agree with everyone else - this is standard for cruising.

 

[holula]

So here is a good rule of thumb-

If they miss a port due to something out of their control like weather or political climate in an area- No compensation

If they miss a port due to something like mechanical issues- Compensation

This is in line with what I expect, except they did comp people when they swapped the 8 night Bermuda on the Fantasy to a Western (?) Caribbean due to weather. Which honestly sounds a bit like what the OP is experiencing except it’s not weather related.

We got nothing for the late boarding from Hurricane Helene even though the first night was a total disaster and we missed approximately 5 hours of the cruise due to late boarding. I was glad we were on a b2b and not just the 3 night as it was such a rush and not well organized on that first night.

 

[dreamer17555]

This is in line with what I expect, except they did comp people when they swapped the 8 night Bermuda on the Fantasy to a Western (?) Caribbean due to weather. Which honestly sounds a bit like what the OP is experiencing except it’s not weather related.

We got nothing for the late boarding from Hurricane Helene even though the first night was a total disaster and we missed approximately 5 hours of the cruise due to late boarding. I was glad we were on a b2b and not just the 3 night as it was such a rush and not well organized on that first night.

I was on that sailing and they did comp us but it was unexpected in my opinion and they were also having issues with one of the propellers where they warned us via email 24 hours in advance that it might be a problem for our sailing.

 

[mjkacmom]

Even if they replace a tropical cruise with a cold weather cruise? To but it in North America terms, you would be ok with a Caribbean cruise being moved to Canada? At the very least they should allow rebooking fee free to a warm weather cruise.

This happens somewhat frequently with cruises, Canada instead of Bermuda, never heard of cruise lines allowing folks to change cruises, by that time it would be difficult to fill empty cabins. It’s a gamble, especially certain times if the year.

 

[otten]

These are pretty standard terms and conditions across all cruise lines so it shouldn't be a surprise that the line can change your itinerary without compensating you. That being said I think there is a big problem with consistency when it comes to compensation in these situations which really leads to bad feelings for guests. I've seen that in the parks as well. It's very frustrating for guests.

 

[Hubie]

I haven't been through Bass Strait and know nothing about Eden and Hobart except that they're in New South Wales, but we stopped in Noumea and Suva with DCL on their inaugural South Pacific cruise to Sydney. They both were very disappointing ports. Fortunately, we were able to spend 5 nights in Sydney following the cruise and that more than made up for our disappointments with the two ports. Also, on our WBPC, DCL bypassed Puerto Vallarta due to political unrest. Our only compensation was we were first to see the Frozen Program while at sea that night.

 

[kiford]

Domestic vs. international, cold weather vs. tropical, when there is that much change, I don't think its unreasonable to expect the T&C's to make some more favorable allowances.

The T&C states:

1. Carrier may substitute another vessel for the one named herein, whether owned by the Carrier or not, at the port of embarkation or at any other place. The Vessel, either before or after proceeding toward the port of destination and though not required by any maritime necessity, may remain in port, proceed by any route and deviate from or change the advertised or intended route at any stage of the voyage and may proceed to and stay at any places whatsoever, although in a contrary direction to or outside of or beyond the usual route, once or more often, in any order, for loading or discharging fuel, stores, laborers, stowaways, Guests, or members of the Vessel's company, for this or any prior or subsequent voyage and/or for any purpose whatsoever that the Carrier or Master may deem advisable. Any such procedure or occurrence shall be considered not to be a deviation but within the voyage herein intended as fully as if specifically described herein. The above-mentioned provisions are not to be considered as restricted by any words of this Cruise Contract whether written, stamped or printed.

It would be unreasonable to expect the T&C's to be interpreted in any other way than that the cruise line can change the itinerary to anything for any reason. While an individual may deem that a change from domestic to international or cold versus tropical should cause allowances to be made, that's not what was agreed to.

 

[Kwami]

I don't understand why everyone is defending Disney. First, because they don't need your help. And second, because what's legal and what's right aren't always the same thing. Yes, Disney is legally allowed to do what they did. But from a custom service perspective, what they did is awful. We should expect better of them.

 

[nherbert]

Disney had changed our cruise from stopping at noumea to now stopping at Eden and Hobart.

I am sorry this happened, are you on the Dec 28 sailing? If so, you will be in Hobart on New Year’s Eve. This is prime “Taste of Tasmania time”, do a search online and get a ticket for the event as it might sell out on that day, you won’t regret it - so much amazing food n wine and brilliant atmosphere from 11am onwards right at the port where you dock. This is also end of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, all the yachts will be in the port, well worth a look.
I am sorry you had a bad sailing across Bass Strait last time, it does happen, but not always. I have done it many times on the spirit of Tasmania and only had one bad experience, and of course there is the time that the Sydney to Hobart fleet got pretty much wiped out - so it can get very bad. But most years at that time it is clear sailing.
Let me know if you want suggestions for other things to do in Hobart.

 

[Lesverts]

I don't understand why everyone is defending Disney. First, because they don't need your help. And second, because what's legal and what's right aren't always the same thing. Yes, Disney is legally allowed to do what they did. But from a custom service perspective, what they did is awful. We should expect better of them.

How is what they did awful? New Caledonia is politically unstable currently. It is at Level 3: Reconsider Travel from the US State Department. Is Avoid non-essential travel by Canada. Australia is reconsider your need to travel. DCL would have been reckless to continue the planned stop there. Eden and Hobart will be pleasantly warm and for a 6 night cruise there was not many other options. The only other possible one would have been Vanuatu which still might not have been manageable. Bass Strait should also be a non-issue because you do not need to enter the Strait to get to Hobart from Sydney. The Tasman can be rough but it is summer so shouldn't be too bad.